By Rissa Gatdula-Lumontad
If you are planning to take a short break or even a day trip from of London, consider taking time to explore Sussex. The area is easily accessible by train from London, and you can also get there by land, boat or a short flight.
To make the most out of your visit, it’s best to visit between the months of April and August, depending on which part of the county you intend to go. And while you’re there, don’t miss these things to do!
More to do in the UK: Exploring Wales | What to do in Devon
Eat, drink, and be merry
Sussex is a foodie kind of county, so expect to have a culinary adventure while visiting. A poem entitled The Seven Good Things of Sussex illustrates this best. The seven mentioned in the poem are Pulborough eel, Selsey cockle, Chichester lobster, Rye herring, Arundel mullet, Amberley trout and Bourne wheater, which makes Sussex a heaven for seafood lovers. Sussex cuisine is much more than seafood though.
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast prepared from the finest and freshest ethically farmed local produce. For lunch and dinner, try a variety of puddings, pies and hot pots that Sussex is also known for. All of these are made from local fresh produce, depending on the season.
Visit a tearoom or cafe to try out the classic Sussex cream tea with sandwiches and homemade cakes and scones. You won’t regret it!
Also not to be missed are the Sussex sparkling wines, which are some of the best in the world.
Soak up the rich history, culture, and heritage
English history is said to have begun in Sussex. It is where the Battle of Hastings (the most famous battle in English history) took place in 1066. Take the audio tour on the battle site to delve into this local history.
Take in the feel of medieval lifestyle at the Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens and see dramatic views of Sussex at the 1000-year-old Lewes Castle. Other historical buildings worth visiting are the Arundel Castle, the Marlipins Museum and the Anne of Cleves House. Be transported back in time in towns like Midhurst and Steynich, where medieval houses, Tudor homes and Georgian inns line the streets.
Learn about the Neolithic era at the Iron Age forts of Chanctonbury and Cissbury Rings.
For a fill of English art, visit Ditchling, an artists’ colony. It remains a haven for artists and craftspeople so you’ll find no shortage of interesting galleries to explore.
Attend a cricket match
England’s national sport of cricket traces its beginnings to 16th century England, and is believed to have begun in Sussex. The Sussex County Cricket Club is the oldest cricket club in the country. If you get the chance (and if you enjoy a good game), go watch a cricket match.
Take pleasure in the beautiful vistas of South Downs
South Downs is popular as a recreational destination for good reason. It has been designated as a Natural Character Area, meaning it has an amazing combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and economic activity. Take walks, go horseback riding or simply enjoy the picturesque chalk landscapes. Alternately, enjoy some fun in the sun in Brighton and Hove.
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Photo credits:
East Sussex: CAPTAIN ROGER FENTON via Flickr
Sussex Cream Tea: George Redgrave via Flickr
Battle Abbey: Jim Linwood via Flickr
Sussex Lighthouse: Paul Friel via Flickr